So, I am told that they are going to spend something like Rs. 900 crores on these commissions because the work of a particular commission would never be finished within a given time. It is said that this commission is expected to submit their report within six, eight or nine months, which they would never be able to do it. No commission has ever done it, as far as I know. Normally, they take 3-4 times more than what was given by the Government. So, the expenditure, I am told is going to run into crores. I do not know. But I would like the Prime Minister to look into it and find out how many commissions he has appointed in the course of last 11 months, and what is the expenditure that they are likely to incur. I was told that on these commissions - if you go on working in the normal manner - they would like to spend something like Rs. 900 crores. If that is so, then in addition to this year’s collection of taxes possibly another year will have to be added to it. I would request Morarjibhai to find out how many commission are appointed.
...Now I come to the important paragraph regarding the economic situation of the country. As I said, we have the advantage while discussing the President’s Address to have a look at the budget and the economic review. You see page 4 of the economic review. You see page 4 of the President’s Address. It says :
Inflationary pressures have been brought under check. While the price rise in the previous year was about 12 per cent, the current level of prices is no higher than the level at the end of March, 1977.”
This is how this is full of, I won’t say untruth, but half truth. But half truth is worse than untruth. Instead of offering my criticism, it would be better if I read out something from the Economic Survey. This is on page 18 of the English version. It says :
“However, the price situation does not call for any complacency. Al_ though the index of wholesale prices rose by only 2.3 per cent over the year ending January, 21, 1978 the increase in some groups was much higher. Foodgrains stand higher over the year by 8.6 per cent, largely on account of pulses whose prices have advanced by as much as 38.4 per cent, eggs, fish and meat by 15.5 per cent and condiments and spices by 28.3 per cent. The prices of milk and milk products, too, are slightly higher than a year ago.”
So, this is the story. This is what you say and you are trying to cover it by one sentence in the Address that it is not higher than last year. So, it gives the impression that everything is all right. Is this an honest review - I mean the President’s speech? If the office of the President is used to tell the half truth then this is something that is a very serious happening to the country and we cannot just sit quiet about it.
